The Gauteng health sector continues to reel following the death of Dr Ashley Mthunzi, the suspended CEO of Tembisa Hospital. His passing in April 2024, after a short illness, occurred while he was under multiple investigations for alleged corruption, irregular procurement, and widespread mismanagement at one of the province’s busiest hospitals.
A Career Overshadowed by Scandal
Born on 2 June 1978, Dr Mthunzi’s rise in the health sector was swift but controversial. His appointment as CEO of Tembisa Hospital was later found to be irregular, with the Public Protector noting that he had misrepresented details in his application. Despite these red flags, he assumed leadership at the hospital, where he soon became associated with financial scandals, dubious tenders, and allegations of neglect that earned the facility the nickname “hospital of death.”
The Passing and Funeral Arrangements
News of his death was first announced by his wife, Lerato Mthunzi, who shared a heartfelt tribute on social media: “It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Dr Ashley Mthunzi. Born 2 June 1978 and died on 23 April 2024.” The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed his death, offering condolences to his family and colleagues despite the cloud of controversy surrounding his career.
His funeral took place on 27 April 2024 in Winchester Hills, Johannesburg. While the service offered a moment of mourning, it also reignited public debate about his role in the looting of state resources. Reports that his family might receive a large pension payout drew criticism from those who believe benefits should not extend to officials implicated in misconduct.
Questionable Spending and “Mr Skinny Jeans”
Mthunzi’s leadership became infamous for a series of wasteful and suspicious purchases. These included thousands of overpriced towels, luxury leather chairs, and most notoriously, nearly half a million rand allegedly spent on skinny jeans — a scandal that earned him the nickname “Mr Skinny Jeans.” Although he denied direct involvement, his authorisations were tied to irregular tenders worth over R2 billion.
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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revealed that funds meant for critical healthcare were diverted to questionable suppliers, with inflated costs pushing the price of basic hospital beds to more than R2.3 million each. Investigations also linked him to irregular PPE contracts during the Covid-19 pandemic, further fueling anger about profiteering at the expense of patients.
The “Hospital of Death”
Beyond the financial scandals, the impact on patient care was devastating. Reports indicated that nearly 800 babies died at Tembisa Hospital over a three-year period due to overcrowding, poor hygiene, and lack of resources. The tragic death of Shonisani Lethole, who starved during Covid-19 isolation, became a symbol of the hospital’s systemic failures. Many linked these outcomes to funds being drained away through corruption.
Legacy and Ongoing Investigations
Even after his death, the probes into Mthunzi’s tenure remain active. The Hawks continue to investigate PPE tender fraud, while the SIU pursues civil recovery of funds. His passing closed the door on potential criminal prosecution, but accountability efforts now focus on his associates and the broader network of corruption within Gauteng’s health system.
Dr Ashley Mthunzi leaves behind a complicated legacy — a once-promising healthcare leader remembered not for his contributions, but for scandals that undermined public trust and deepened the crisis in South Africa’s public hospitals. His story remains a cautionary tale about poor vetting, weak oversight, and the devastating consequences of corruption in healthcare.
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